Backcountry Hunting Podcast

Q&A: Best Bullets for Vintage Rifles, Best Moose Cartridge, First Guns for Kids, Barrel Cleaning, Kill Kit Contents, and More!

In this episode we answer great questions on a variety of topics, including: 

ENJOY! 

Rigby of London is debatably the most famous maker of fine double-barrel rifles and (bolt-action) magazine rifles in history. Jim Corbett used a .275 Rigby to hunt many of the maneating tigers and leopards he killed. Harry Selby carried a .416 Rigby while guiding Robert Ruark. The Rigby Rising Bite double rifle is considered by many savants to be the finest of its type ever made. And so forth. 

In this extraordinary episode, we're joined by Rigby of London CEO Marc Newton, who walks us through the company's 250-year history, the design and manufacturing ethos behind Rigby's outstanding bolt-action a...

"When you don't have a pack raft, a river or body of water is a barrier. When you do have a raft, that water becomes a highway." 

This episode we're joined with Alpacka Raft founder Thor Tingey. Thor grew up in Alaska, adventure-rafting, hunting, and fishing across most of the state. Alpacka packable rafts are the culmination of decades worth of experience and wisdom. Incredible though it sounds, a moose-capable raft weighs just 15 pounds and rolls up as small as a backpacking tent. These boats are game-changers, folks. Listen in and learn just how effective they are a...

Lots of hunters and shooters complain about new cartridges. "My .270 will do anything that stupid new (insert cartridge name here) can do!"

Is that a fact. 

In this episode, we explore whether cutting-edge new cartridges actually have an advantage over proven classic cartridges. To showcase the concept, we pit the legendary .270 Winchester against the racy new 6.5 WBY RPM, but we include a ton of other classic and new cartridges in the discussion too. This was a fun one and is sure to ruffle some feathers and turn the crank on a lot of hunters and s...

If you had to face a charging cape buffalo, elephant, or grizzly bear, would you want a big-bore bolt-action or a double rifle?

This episode was recorded in Mozambique, where we had the opportunity to sit down with two dangerous-game professional hunters and guides who have opposing views: one prefers a double rifle; the other likes a bolt action. We swapped stories and debated the virtues and weaknesses of each rifle type. This one was a ton of fun folks. ENJOY! 

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We're live in the tropical forests of Mozambique, in one of the most remote safari camps in the world. This episode was recorded right after hunting two magnificent old dagga boy cape buffalo bulls in the floodplains of the Zambeze River delta, while the experience was still fresh and raw. 

One buffalo was taken with a 125-year-old Westley Richards double rifle in .450/400 Nitro; the other with a Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H. Early November heat combined with unseasonal rains combined to make it both humid and torrid... a proper tropical experience. We waded waist-deep through crocodile-infested swamps, bled o...

Shooting skill can be crucial at the moment of truth, especially on elk. Good opportunities are often hard-earned, particularly when hunting DIY, on public land, with an over-the-counter tag. 

This episode details two very special hunts, when my sons each shot their first bull. Both were in challenging scenarios, and both boys did everything right. There are a lot of proud father moments in this episode! Analyzing the rapidly evolving situations these boys encountered as well as the marksmanship demands on them as hunters reveals a lot about how to effectively kill elk—even when the odds are...

Hunting season is in full swing, and the stories, questions, and reports are pouring in! This episode we dive deep into concerns and questions from our loyal listeners, addressing everything from how to set up a guide rifle for grizzlies to picking a whitetail cartridge to choosing a bullet for Africa. ENJOY!

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This just might be the coolest new rifle introduction of the year! Lipsey's and Ruger have teamed up to create this quick-handling, hard-hitting bush rifle chambered in two of history's coolest powerhouse cartridges. These rifles are available now, through your Lipsey's-associated local dealer. Links are below. ENJOY! 

Ruger M77 Alaskan Bush Rifle in .35 Whelen

Ruger M77 Alaskan Bush Rifle in 9.3x62

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Want to shoot, process, and pack out 5 mature bull moose in 3.5 days? Me neither, but that's what professional elk guide Tate Bradfield and his group did last month. This episode, Tate tells us about the rifles, cartridges, and bullets the five hunters choose for their special trip (which included the taking of a Boone & Crockett bull!) and shares his observations on the various results. He also has some sage advice about shooting moose in thigh-deep water, as well as useful suggestions on how to pack moose quarters on the bone. ENJOY!

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If you had to own and use just one hunting knife for the rest of your life, what would it be? This episode we go over blade characteristics, types of steel, handle shapes and material, edge geometry, field sharpening, and more. Custom knifemaker Evan Siembida lends his expertise and walks through the process of designing and building a truely capable hunting knife. ENJOY! 

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By a crackling fireplace in a 200-year-old Victorian hunting lodge in Scotland, we sit down and record a hunt recap. Red stag, sika stag, and salmon fishing are on the topic list, and we hash out crucial gear, hunt methods, stalking and shooting expectations, and more as we tell great success stories. ENJOY!

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This episode was recorded in the field while hunting rut-crazed big bull elk in New Mexico's high country with the 7mm Backcountry cartridge and a super-accurate ultralight hunting rifle. The hunt was a struggle, but several big gnarly bulls hit the ground and filled our freezers. We add gear notes, seasonal tips, and what did and didn't work... ENJOY! 

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Have you ever dreamed of hunting a huge Red Stag in New Zealand? So have we... so we got a couple of experts on the phone and unpacked just how to get it done, along with chasing big fallow deer, himalayan tahr, chamois, and even Roosevelt elk on the tip of the South Island. This was one of the coolest and most informative episodes we've done in a long time. ENJOY! 

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Hunting season is upon us, friends! It's time to refine our gear and our methods, and get afield to make the magic. This fun Q&A session address myriad pertinent topics submitted by our loyal listeners. ENJOY! 

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Check out our new "recommended outfitters" hunt booking agency! We're super excited about this venture that allows us to share our favorite destinations around the world with our loyal l...

If you had to pick just one type of lead-core bullet to hunt with for the rest of your days, for all big game species around the world, what would it be? Folks, in this episode we talk through what we consider the best bonded-core bullets made. Whether you're after big alpine-country mule deer, grizzly bear in Alaska, or kudu or cape buffalo in Africa, this line of bullets will serve you reliably, accurately, and with absolutely lethal terminal performance. 

What's the bullet? You'll have to listen to find out! ENJOY! 

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This episode brings you debatably the coolest pronghorn antelope hunt I've ever done... recorded in the field, while hunting solo on public land. I don't like the word "primitive" so I'll use the term "traditional" to describe my equipment: My rifle was a 1780s-style flintlock muzzleloader charged with blackpowder and a patched round ball. 

The stars lined up and I was blessed with a 106-yard opportunity on a great buck. Candidly, I'd planned to take any ethical shot opportunity on any mature buck. Instead, I had a shot at the second biggest antelope I've ever hunted. Sitting d...

Could the grand old .280 Ackley Improved cartridge still be one of the best all-purpose big game cartridges ever designed? We think so, and this podcast is dedicated to explaining why. 

We address: 

Plus .280 Ackley hunting stories are generously sprinkled throughout. ENJOY! 

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Safari hunting, conservation, and family hunting traditions from squirrels to elk are key topics of this wonderful interview with Dallas Safari Club CEO Rob McCanna. We recorded this live at the recent inaugural summer DSC convention, and it was one of the most enjoyable conversations I've ever had with a top-end industry leader. Rob is a down-to-earth guy that hunts hard and appreciates time afield as much or more than most—and is dedicating years to preserving, protecting, and promoting our way of life. ENJOY! 

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Spot-and-stalk hunting—the lifeblood of open-country hunters around the world—may have it's roots in a very special place in the Scottish Highlands. This episode, we visit with Sam Thompson, Head Game Keeper of Kildermorie Estate, during a red stag hunt. Sam shares the story of Great Britain's movement from coursing big game with hounds to spotting and stalking, DIY, putting in the hard yards to earn one's success. We also dig deep into the cartridges and bullets best-suited for hunting red stag. ENJOY! 

Check out our new "recommended outfitters" hunt booking agency! We're super excite...

Buckle up, folks! Our guest on this episode is not one to mince words—he has strong opinions forged from decades of experience building custom rifles and using them on hunts around the world. Meet Matt Bettersworth, co-owner of Hill Country Rifles. 

Matt breaks down what he believes it takes to cleanly kill a big game animal out at 1,000 yards, gets real in his opinion about using small cartridges on big game animals, and shares a ton of experience-based insight on Federal's new 7mm Backcountry cartridge. Is it accurate? Is it safe? Will it survive? Will it kil...

If you got to pick just one ultimate cartridge for hunting deer, what would it be? Would it be the same for whitetails versus mule deer? Or would you choose a specialized cartridge for each? 

This episode we're joined by Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and Scott Ergas, digital editor of Petersen's Hunting and RifleShooter magazines. And although some might say "You can kill a deer with anything," we don't take that cop-out route. We dig deep and discuss what makes a truly great deer cartridge. ENJOY! 

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You've dreamed the dream and made the plan. Now, you're about to depart for a big game safari in Africa! How do you prepare properly? 

This episode, we sit down with Tate Bradfield, who is about to leave for his first-ever safari—and he's after Cape Buffalo... the legendary Black Death. We talk through his choice of cartridge and rifle, how to shoot well and reload fast and sure under stress, and much more. ENJOY! 

Check out our new "recommended outfitters" hunt booking agency! We're super excited about this venture that allows us to share our...

Africa's Cape Buffalo, known by those that hunt them as "Black Death," are the most achievable and at the same time most compelling of all dangerous game to pursue. 

Hunting Black Death must be done properly, with a good rifle, chambered for a potent cartridge, that's loaded with a premium bullet. 

This epside we sit down with Mark Haldane, owner and operator of Zambeze Delta Safaris, who likely has more experience hunting Cape Buffalo than any other PH alive. Mark discusses adequate buffalo cartridges, good buffalo cartridges, and great buffalo cartridges. Perhaps more importantly, Mark st...

Why did the Hearing Protection Act fail? Will it ever go through? Was the abolition of the $200 tax stamp on silencers a win for gun owners? Should potential buyers wait until the sunset of the NFA $200 tax occurs at the end of 2025? We answer all these questions and more on this episode of the Backcountry Hunting Podcast. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars to help the podcast survive and thrive.<...

This awesome episode gets below the veneer that is luxurious Africa... Deep into the gritty stories that expose the warm, friendly, but sometimes violent heart of the Dark Continent. We talk favorite areas and species to hunt in Africa, best tools for the task (rifles, cartridges, and bullets), and how to bring an attitude geared for success on safari. Plus, Andy shares his story of an incredible charge by a wounded leopard, which he killed literally as it sprung on him. ENJOY! 

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Can the rifle you choose for western hunting make or break your hunting success? In this episode, we sit down for a fire-side chat with professional outfitter Tate Bradfield to get his take on top choices for western hunting rifles. We talk through several price tiers, including the $600 to $1,200 range; the $1,200 to $1,800 range; the $1,800 to $2,400 range, and finally, top-tier rifles without cost restraints. 

As a bonus, we get Tate's opinion on best bows for archery hunting the West, along with his favorite broadhead models. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're publishing short bonus episodes multiple times wee...

This episode was recorded live and raw in Alaska, DIY hunting big black bears in southeast Alaska off the good boat Venturess. Long days, tons of fishing, and tracking wounded bears into thick, treacherous terrain made for an unforgettable adventure! ENJOY! 

We're publishing brief Q&A audio episodes twice weekly on www.patreon.com/backcountry now! Join to get access, and if you'd be so kind, please contribute a few dollars to help the podcast stay alive and thrive. Much appreciated!  —JvB

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This episode takes a deep dive into the crucial gear you should have on a DIY elk hunt. Host Joseph and guest (outfitter Tate Bradfield) detail why each item is important, along with how to pick the right brand and model for your specific needs. 

This was recorded outside by an early morning campfire, so the audio isn't as good as our usually studio sound, and there are occasional wind noises. We apologize for that... but hopefully the quality of the discussion makes up for it. ENJOY! 

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From scope to scabbard, here's how to set up a rifle that's ideal for western hunting. This episode takes a deep dive into vital accessories and parts including: 

Not only do we discuss what accessories a good western hunting rifle should have, we talk through why. Naturally, we wander off into hunting stor...

This episode takes a deep dive into how to select just the right hunting rifle. A tool that is ideal for your type of hunting, and is reliable, accurate, durable, and ergonomic. We talk through various action types, barrel types, stock types, and the crucial characteristics of each. And last but not least, we discuss the importance of finding a rifle that is trustworthy... one you can become ultimately confident with. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to...

These five cartridges are proven around the world. They're known and used everywhere hunters gather. Several of them have taken every big game species on earth. Each is historically significant yet currently relevant. And all five are available in a wide selection of rifles and ammunition. 

In this episode, my son William—AKA the "Backcountry Apprentice" —and I sat down and shared perspectives on several cartridges that we believe deserve legendary status. ENJOY! 

Friends, I buried my father today. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning. Today as the morning light he loved fell across the desert, we laid him to rest. Forgive me for not having a full episode for you this week... I just didn't have it in me to create one. We'll have a good one ready to go next Friday! 

— Joseph

Ever wondered what the best elk cartridge is? This episode we're joined by Colton Heward, long-time professional elk guide and now Managing Editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine. Colton shares the characteristics he considers crucial in an elk cartridge, and details the three cartridges he considers most capable and practical for hunting elk. Plus, Colton tells us about his three personal favorite cartridges for hunting elk—regardless of whether they're "practical" or not. Just one cartridge from each category crossed over, and it just might be the all-time best elk cartridge ever designed. ENJOY! 

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Ever had equipment failure ruin a hunt? These folks have. This episode, we share the gnarliest stories submitted by listeners for our Timney Trigger giveaway. William (the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph read and address each story, and there's a lot of great inspiration within and lessons to be learned as well. This one was a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on ...

Mid-bore cartridges kill nearly as profoundly as true big-bores, but recoil little more than common magnums. Of the mild big-bores, the .35 Whelen and 9.3x62 Mauser dominate. But which is best? In this episode John McAdams, host of the Big Game Hunting Podcast and a lifelong fan of the 9x3x62, joins me to discuss and debate the merits of the two. We dig deep into tech specs, tell personal buffalo and elephant hunting stories, debate best bullets for each cartridge, and generaly have a ton of fun. ENJOY! 

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Big news, folks! Hornady just officially launched the .25 Creedmoor cartridge. And there's a good chance that the Quarter-Bore Creedmoor is the best Creedmoor of them all. 

This episode takes a deep dive into the tech specs of the .25 Creedmoor and how the cartridge was designed, and details new factory loads on the market. We discuss what long-range bullets are best in it, and what rifles makers are already spun up and making .25 Creedmoor guns. 

We compare the .25 Creedmoor to the 6.5 Creedmoor, discuss what attributes may make the .25 Creedmoor superior, and draw ballistic comparisons between the .25 an...

Blood-trailing wounded bears, follow-up shots on bears, stopping charging bears, skinning bears properly, and eating bears... this awesome episode with Alaska Arms' veteran solo bear hunter Morris Melani covers it all! What a cool conversation we had... ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and fresh discount codes for Timney Triggers! 

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Ever wanted to hunt New Zealand? Better yet, hunt New Zealand DIY, on public land? It's an easy and affordable hunt to do. If Kiwi country calls to you, it's time to plan and make that hunt happen! 

This episode, we sit down with Spartan's Rob Gearing, one of the most experienced worldwide adventurers I know. Rob is extremely experienced at hunting New Zealand, and has some invaluable advice and some great, inspiring stories. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can...

This episode we sit down with Dylan Dowson, western specialist with onX Hunt, and talk application strategies, solo black bear hunting, and DIY caribou adventures in Alaska. This one was a ton of fun to record and has some wonderful insights and information. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars if you like.

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This episode digs deep into a comparison between the 6.8 Western and the 7mm PRC, focusing on three fundamental performance metrics: 

We've used both cartridges, we love both, we own and will always own both... but if you had to pick just one... Which would it be? 

Hopefully this episode can help answer that. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can...

Hunting Africa's Cape Buffalo—known by hunters as "Black Death"—is one of the last great adventures readily available to hunters. Buffalo being legitimate dangerous game, it's crucial to have good gear, well sorted out, and to be prepared mentally and physically. 

This episode, we sit down with Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris and ask questions about an upcoming dangerous-game safari we'll be taking with Mark later this year. We talk rifles, cartridges, appropriate bullets, best type of scopes, what to expect during a typical day of hunting, malaria prevention, how to plan best travel arrangements, and s...

What's your favorite predator and varmint cartridge? Do you use one for both? Or specialize with a favorite predator rifle and a different one for varmints? 

In this episode, I sit down with two professional guides to discuss great predator and varminting cartridges. We talk through the differences between the two, and address the various challenges and demands placed on cartridges, such as those ideal for minimal fur damage; those for maximum authority for competition calling, and those cartridges required to cover all tasks including crossing over into deer hunting. 

Becuase we can't help it, th...

Ever wanted a great trigger in your lever-action rifle? This episode we're joined by Chris Ellis, who has hunted from the mountains of West Virginia to the plains of South Africa with a lever-action rifle. Chris is a trigger man, and we talk through the crucial advantage that a crisp, reasonably light trigger provides in the field, along with the blessing that Timney's new lever-gun triggers are to hunters. We swap cape buffalo and American buffalo-hunting lever-action stories, and share favorite models and cartridges and bullets. 

Plus we discuss the new drop-in trigger models Timney recently introduced f...

What does "Use Enough Gun" mean? Especially when hunting elk, moose, and bison or tough game such as Tahr or feral cattle in New Zealand and Sambar Stag in Australia? 

A phrase originally quoined by legendary author and hunter Robert Ruark, "Use Enough Gun" means what it says. This episode, we're joined by terminal ballistics specialist Nathan Foster, who has dedicated his life to the study of how bullets kill and what cartridges and bullets are most effective for various tasks. We examine the "small-bore for big-game" trend, and Foster explains where it began and why it's s...

What is the ultimate all-around bear gun? Is there a gun and cartridge that will handle all bears, in all situations? Whether hunting cross-canyon blacks in Montana or baited bruisers in Alberta, or coastal brown bears or interior grizzlies in Alaska? How about personal protection while hiking or fishing in bear-infested country?

We think there is such a rifle, and it's even sorta affordable. Ruger's M77 Guide Gun has all the features a savvy bear hunter wants: controlled-feed action, compact size, powerful chamberings, backup sights, stainless construction, and so on. 

M77 Guide Guns are decent r...

Ever wanted to plan and execute a DIY mule deer hunt on public land? Here's how to do it folks, as showcased by Hunter McWaters. Hunter is the host of The Hunter's Quest TV show, podcast, and YouTube channel. 

Hunter talks us through getting a tag, the e-scouting process, creating hunt plans A, B, and C, planning and arranging gear, and finally putting boots on the ground and your hunting plans in action. 

We also discuss the importance of being ready to shift gears and roll with the unexpected; of preparing to chart and navigage lo...

Inspired by all the interest in Federal's ground-breaking new 7mm Backcountry cartridge, we recently held a live Q&A with our Patreon members. Here are the great questions we fielded and discussed: 

This episode takes us far out into the Aleutian Islands off the west coast of Alaska's mainland, to hunt wild bison. Recorded audio-journal style, we're bringing it to you raw and unedited. 

Hunting by invitation with Jack Jaeger, who is designated to hunt buffalo for the tribal elders, we circumnavigate the island on a small fishing boat, landing in a skiff and hunting up from the coast when buffalo are sighted. 

With a big cow taken and the quarters packed out and hung to age, we weather howling winds and slashing rain, and then ascend in...

Leupold just launched a new flagship hunting scope, called the VX-6HD Gen 2. 

Friends, I didn't think the first-generation VX-6HD could get any better. But by golly, Leupold has successfully improved my favorite riflescope. The new Gen 2 version has an improved, tool-less turret, a built-in throw lever on the power ring, and most importantly, it's now got the same internal guts and gears as Leupold's legendary Mark 5 line of precision/tactical scopes. 

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Lesser, Vice President of product development and marketing  and get an awesome backstage look at...

In this episide, Alaskan custom gunsmith Ray Saft and I dig deep into the various characteristics of actions, stocks, barrels, cartridges, and special chambers appropriate for a backcountry rifle build. 

To showcase the process of discussing and commissioning a custom rifle, we use a pair of in-process 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser mountain rifles, one with a titanium action and carbon-fiber barrel; the other with a skeletonized steel action and traditional steel barrel. 

This is part one of a three-part series we're doing. When completed, we'll discuss the rifles and upcoming test protocols in Part 2. Then in Pa...

In this episode, Ron Spomer joins me to talk about the all-new 7mm Backcountry cartridge just announced by Federal. This new round utilizes premium steel-case tech and operates at 80,000 psi. It's the fastest factory-loaded 7mm cartridge on the market—and the case is smaller than a .30-06! It has fast-twist rifling and is optimized for heavy, high-BC bullets.

Plus, it's terrific in short barrels, so it's ideal for use with a suppressor. It's rare to see new innovation change the face of modern cartridges. This technology from Federal is revolutionary, and is likely to shape the future of...

Really good iron sights are surprisingly capable—and according to Utah's new restricted unit regulations, are required. Five historically great mule deer units are now iron-sights only, even for centerfire hunting rifles. 

So: What's the best iron-sight setup for hunting Western open country? 

In this episode, we're joined by legendary hunter, writer, and YouTube host Ron Spomer to discuss what type of iron sights really work for serious hunting. We talk through appropriate rifles, suitable cartridges, and how to choose and set up the most capable types of iron sights—all liberally sprinkled with hunting storie...

Ever wonder why you get unexplained fliers when shooting otherwise tiny groups with your ammo? You may be shocked at the common culprit discussed in this episide—as well as how easy it is to prevent.

This episode we're joined by Chris Hoffstetter of Nosler, and we talk through the crucial aspects of ammo that provide accuracy and clean-killing effectiveness. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podca...

Outfitter Tate Bradfield and his crew took 56 American Buffalo with clients in 2024. This episode, we sit down and discuss the cartridges, bullets, and shot placement that kills Bison most effectively and efficiently. Tate tells tall tales (say that three times fast) of Buffalo getting shot with everything from .243 Winchester to .45-70 Gov't—and has some emphatic advice to share with prospective Bison hunters. This one was a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can con...

This firecracker of an episode shares listener responses to our last episode, "Why Small Calibers are NOT good for Big Game." The inbox blew up with messages after that episode dropped. We've never had such an huge (and grateful) response to a single episode. 

This new episode is full of listener anecdotes and opinions—most of them extremely astute—that don't mince words. Holy moly, folks, this was a fun one! ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material a...

When killing is crucial, not just convenient... Choose the right tool for the task. 

Folks, I resisted addressing this trendy topic of using small calibers on big game for a long time. But I've had so many requests to do so, I can no longer take the easy road. Here's my blunt, fact- and science-based opinion on the practice of using small calibers loaded with target-type bullets on big game. 

ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus m...

This episode, Weatherby's COO Luke Thorkildsen joins us to talk about backcountry fitness and how the Carnivore diet has revolutionized his backcountry hunting capability. We discuss how to successfully combat middle-age "spare tire" weight gain and increase focus and energy. 

Plus, of course, we take a dive into Luke's personal favorite Weatherby cartridges and specific bullets loaded for them, as well as his go-to rifle models from the Weatherby stable. This one was eye-opening and a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY!

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This episode takes us back to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where Austin Brown and several of his friends hunt Sitka Blacktail deer, predators, and sea ducks. It's all DIY, and it's the first time in Alaska for several of these hunters. 

Host and transporter is our long-time favorite: Alaska Premier Sportfishing's good boat Venturess and her captain Travis Larson and crew. 

I asked Austin to run with an audio-journal type record of their adventures. He did a fine job, and the result is this episode. It's all about discovering new adventures in new places, and how re...

This episode we talk through several new suppressor models and the innovative manufacturing techniques that make them special. We also discuss various materials such as Inconel and Titanium, outlining their pros and cons. 

And how about the speed of the current e-form process? Suppressor dealers are even seeing same-day approvals in some cases, and even the "long" approvals are only a few weeks. Silencer expert Brandon Maddox provides perspective on how and why that's become possible. 

Plus, we talk about the Hearing Protection Act and whether suppressors will ever be delisted and become commonly available. 

Gnarly questions make us dig deep for good answers... In this episode, we unpack a bunch of awesome questions and stories from listeners, including the following: 

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How does putting a suppressor on your hunting rifle affect accuracy? Good? Bad? Ugly? This episode details what normally happens—which is an increase in precision and a decrease in recoil. 

We give several real-life examples and explore why accuracy increases. Plus we detail several of our favorite suppressor makes and models that nearly always provide a significant increase accuracy, discussing weight, material, size, and so forth. 

ENJOY!

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Are hotrod .22 centerfire cartridges adequate for hunting big game? In this episode Seth Swerczek from Hornady joins us to discuss the small-caliber for big-game trend. Recently returned from a safari in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Seth details what worked—and what didn't—while using the .22 ARC and .22 Creedmoor on African game ranging from warthogs to kudu. The results may surprise you.

We also take a deep dive into the usefulness of hotrod .22 centerfires for use on North American big game, and discuss what and where practical limitations lie. 

Seth talks through the bullets most...

What's it like to hunt along ancient hedgerows and stone fences older than America? This episode fellow writer Phil Massaro and I share stories about hunting wild, free-range Fallow deer, Roe Deer, and Muntjac through medieval forests in England. 

In the UK on assignment with Savage Arms, we had the opportunity to hunt with and share meals with legendary hunter, wild game chef and restaraunteur Mike Robinson, host of Farming The Wild on MOTV, and his exceptional crew. Savage just rolled out a new rifle model, and we put it through it's paces and discuss it's characteristics, a...

This episide we sit down with custom gunsmith Justin Linenbach, of Kinport Peak Rifles. Justin outlines what he consideres the three most important elements to achieving accuracy:

We take a deep dive into each of those characteristics, and then discuss the cartridges that Justin recommends for three categories of shooters and hunters: 

Plus, Justin shares some of this go-to action types, barrel makers, and preferred stocks. This episode was a ton of fun folks—ENJOY! 

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Is there a cartridge that will reliably knock a deer or elk or bear over? Not unless it's named Ford, Chevy, or Dodge. Or maybe Freight Train. This episode takes a candid look at the idea of "knock-down power," mythbusting the notion and detailing how to determine a cartridge with real authority. 

We define and explore kinetic energy, the TKO formula, momentum, and of course compare the numbers generated by popular cartridges such as the .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .375 Magnum. 

Next we detail common visible impact reactions and explain what they say about the bullet used an...

How good is the .30-06 for use on elk? This episode takes a deep dive into the grand old cartridge's ballistics, characteristics, and real-world performance on elk. We tell stories of a bunch of bulls killed with various .30-06s, and talk through several excellent .30-06 rifle models that we wholeheartedly recommend, as well as list three top factory ammo types ideal for elk. ENJOY! 

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This episode we take a deep dive into how to properly set up a kid rifle. We address appropriate cartridges, good rifles, and capable scopes, then discuss how to put the setup together so it really works. Some specific points we cover: 

The importance of setting your youth or beginning hunter friend up for success if vital... Yet so often given little attention. If you want to shape your young'un into your favorite hunting partner, take a l...

This fun episode we dig in and answer a buck of listener's questions... Topics are elk cartridges, bear defense guns, .280 Ackley rifles, best first Western hunts, .270 Win. for moose, best predator rifles, copper bullets for deer, best .308 hunting load, and tons more. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contri...

You've just shot an elk. Now what? 

This episode covers it all, from blood tracking and locating your elk, to navigating cross-canyon recoveries, to taking good photographs, to meat processing, care, and packing. What a terrific conversation, recorded with extremely savvy, experienced elk hunters! ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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Folks, I've been waiting for months to talk about this awesome new 7mm PRC load that Barnes just announced. Featuring a 160-grain LRX with new cutting-edge tip and profile technology, it shoots sub-half-MOA five-shot groups using my 7.25-lb (complete setup) mountain rifle. 

This bullet has a best-in-class BC among monometal bullets, rating 0.608 (doplar radar verified). Generating 3,050 fps in 24-inch barrels, it's a precision sledgehammer ideal for any North American big game short of the big northern bear species. 

On this episode, Barnes Bullet's lead ballistician Gregg Sloan joins me and shares the genesis story of thi...

What's the best, most practical deer-hunting cartridge of them all? We're joined by our friend Ron Spomer—who is consistently the show's most popular guest—to try our hand at picking one cartridge to rule them all. 

Because it's fun, we also take a deep dive into our personal favorite deer-hunting cartridges—practicality thrown out the window—and share just why those particular rounds are so special. 

This was tremendous fun, folks. ENJOY! 

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This episode covers the ABC's of flying with guns. From what type of case is best, to how to pack your firearms and ammo, to how to check in with your airline, we detail the process. 

We cover domestic flights compared to international travel, discuss the legality of flying with a suppressor, suggest research and prep documentation, and so forth. 

Flying with a firearm is quite a simple process, but can seem daunting to first-timers. It doesn't need to be, though! This guide should provide the information you need to fly with confidence. ENJOY!

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Ever wonder which of the new PRC cartridges to pick for your new hunting rifle? The 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, and .300 PRC each have their strengths... and few weaknesses. So how do you know which will fit your needs best? 

Hornady engineer and cartridge savant Seth Swerczek guest stars on this episode, and we talk through the various characteristics of each cartridge. Of course we regularly get sidetracked and tell hunting stories to support our points. This deep dive into what each Precision Rifle Cartridge is particularly good at should help you make that ultimate choice. ENJOY! 

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Remember that old saying, "One Shot, One Kill?" How about eight shots, eight kills! This episode we're joined by Shaundi Campbell, senior marketing manager at Browning, who recently took her bucket-list animal in Africa (and seven others) with a single shot each using her favorite 6.8 Western. 

Shaundi tells a little of the 6.8 Western's back story, shares her significant hunting successes using it on western deer and elk, and tells her African safari stories in this episode. Naturally, we get off in the weeds a bit talking 6.8 Western bullet options, ballistic performance, and terminal results. Plus Shaundi shares a...

This episode explains how knowing fundamental ballistics help us make clean, ethical kills in the field. Jayden Quinlan (ballistic mastermind at Hornady) shines the light on how to compensate for steep angles, for wind, and for bullet drop in various air density and temperatures. We talk hunting bullets and the evolution of projectiles and how to choose the right modern hunting bullet for your hunting tasks. 

What a terrific, informative, entertaining discussion... Hope you all enjoy this as much as I did! 

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What's the BEST elk cartridge? Or should we ask, what's your FAVORITE elk cartridge? This fun episode with Ron Spomer and Tate Bradfield takes a humorous and deep dive into most practical elk cartridges and favorite elk cartridges—and how they're rarely the same!

Plus, we talk one-shot drops on elk, marginal cartridges versus marginal shots, how to master heavy recoil, and more. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the B...

Few men know whether they'll have the courage to stand their ground and fight an irate Kodiak brown bear—or whether their defense gun will be adequate.

Backcountry hunter Tyce Erickson knows the answer to both, having recently proven himself when a wounded bear his group was tracking attacked at close quarters in thick alder brush. 

In this episode, Tyce joins the podcast to tell his story. He gives a candid account of what went wrong, of the pressured last-minute decisions that led to the situation, and the solid decisions and actions that allowed him and...

In one of the most exciting product announcements of the year, Springfield recently brought out a long-action version of it's superb Model 2020 Waypoint precision hunting rifle. 

Previously only available in short-action cartridges, it's now available in 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, .270 Win, and .30-06! What a star-studded lineup of long-action cartridges. Now, if I can just convince Springfield to add the .280 Ackley Improved... 

This brief episode details the rifle: concept, components, ergonomics, accuracy probability and guarantee, and so forth. If you want to put eyeballs on it as we examine and review it...

Cape Kudu are slightly smaller, more colorful, and "better dressed" than their Southern Greater cousins—and are enchanting and addictive to hunt.

This episode, we sit down by a midnight acacia-wood fire in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa with PH Ed Everton of Rosedale Safaris, to share hunting stories and discuss the incredible Cape Kudu.

We talk through Cape Kudu characteristics, hunting methods, habits and habitat, and proper tools (rifle, cartridge, & bullet) for hunting them. This is an awesome episode, recorded in the field and published raw and unedited. ENJOY! 

FR...

Is your rifle fully set up and ready for hunting season? That's a question all too many hunters don't ask until it's nearly go-time. This episide addresses rifle choice and scope selection, how to mount your scope for best performance, crucial accessories like an anti-cant scope level, rifle sling, and bipod, and how to set the complete system up properly. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on...

What causes some cold-bore shots to go astray? And can a good rifleman eliminate them? This episode discusses bore condition, barrel quality, clean-bore shots, and the human element, debunking myths and providing practical solutions to overcome unexplained first-shot misses. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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Folks, I've fielded a lot of questions about this rifle—so here's a 15-minute bonus rifle review for you. This is the build project I did last year to create my ultimate .280 Ackley Improved custom mountain rifle. It was built by my old friend Steve Pratt of Elk Meadow Performance, using the following components: 

It turned out wonderfully... Weighs right around 7.5 pounds ready to go up the moutain! 

Recorded raw in the field off coastal Alaska, this episode takes place hunting from the Venturess, a fishing/hunting boat operated by Alaska Premier Sportfishing. Even though we experienced constant rain, wind, and cold, our group of 7 hunters managed to take 4 great bears, plus our limit of halibut, rockfish, king salmon, and several yelloweye. 

My daughter Sophie turned 12 on the boat, right after taking the biggest bear anyone in our family has ever shot! She dropped it with a perfect 251-yard shot after stalking up the Alaska coastline. Color me proud. 

This is a long ep...

How do you pick the right hunting mentor? And how do you distil what gear you really down to a practical setup? This episode is all about being a practical hunter with solid (but not expensive) gear, and about learning from real-deal hunters rather than popular, trendy influencers. Guest is Tate Bradfield, owner of Process Based Hunter. He's a young but savvy hunter with a world of experience. ENJOY! 

Sign up for the 3-day Elk Hunting Boot Camp, co-hosted by Joseph von Benedikt on-site in southeastern Idaho. 

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RIFLE REVIEW! For the first time ever, Weatherby's excellent new Model 307 action is available with a carbon-fiber stock and a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel. It's called the Alpine CT, and is a wonderful lightweight hunting rifle. 

I took one chambered in 7mm PRC to New Zealand this spring, and was real impressed. It's reliable, accurate, ergonomic, and has all the features I like in a backcountry hunting rifle. And for what you get (custom-level action & trigger; high-end carbon-fiber stock; carbon-wrapped barrel) it just might be the best value on the market. ENJOY! 

How good are modern monometal hunting bullets? All-copper and copper-alloy designs have undergone a lot of evolution in the past couple decades, and are becoming more and more popular. This episode takes a deep dive into the primary performance characteristics of the type, focusing on: 

We talk through the specific performance features of bullets by Barnes, Hornady, Hammer, Nosler, Federal and others, and detail what each is particularly good for. 

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Are the .308 and .30-06 similar in performance? Or are they actually quite different? This episode takes a deep dive into the performance and characteristics of each cartridge, in an effort to determine which is the better hunting cartridge. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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Browning's new X-Bolt 2 Speed SR may be the best hunting rifle on the market in it's price bracket. This video takes a deep dive into just why that is. Showcased is a 6.8 Western version, along with the factory ammo it shoots best. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute to help...

This episode covers the gear we take for spring bear hunting on Alaska's rugged coastlines, and details exactly why each specific item is chosen. From game bags to rifles, we cover it all! 

We filmed as we discussed each item in the pile of gear, so if you want to put eyeballs on them, head on over to our new Backcountry Hunting Podcast YouTube channel and give us a like and subscribe! 

ENJOY!

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Recorded LIVE with our loyal listeners on Patreon! This Q&A is full of great info... Rifle setup, cartridge selection, pre-hunt shooting practice, how to build a stable field position, best bullets for elk, NRL Hunter competitions as a training tool, thermal scopes and how to use them, and a whole bunch more! ENJOY! 

Join the next Live Q&A by becoming a member on www.patreon.com/backcountry

Here's the second half of our recent adventure in New Zealand... DIY on public land, in pursuit of chamois in the Southern Alps. Steep country, incessant rain, and low visiblity all were against us but hard hunting paid off and we each brought home a great chamois buck. 

Recorded on a small portable mic, hunkered in or beside a tent in alpine country, this episode is about as raw and real as they come... We tell our hunt stories, talk about what gear did and didn't work, and about the backcountry hunting skills and techniques learned hunting p...

Leupold's new RX-5000 rangefinder ranges to FIVE THOUSAND yards (or even a tad more!) and has the ability to project waypoints to onX Maps! This interview with Leupold's Eric Overstreet details the features and characteristics of this awesome new optic. ENJOY!

For those of you that would like to see the new rangefinder in hand, check out the video of this episode on YouTube. Here's a link: https://youtu.be/1QWYeVQCqfg

Please subscribe on YouTube! 

Kiwi Country! This episode we're in the field in New Zealand, hunting with Adam and Brenda Weatherby and their cameraman Koby Owens. Outfitter is Same Caley, who specializes in authentic, free-range hunts. Halfway through our hunt we paused to dry out, do laundry, and record a podcast about the two bull Tahr and Fallow deer we'd taken so far. 

Plus, our group experienced a mountain-hunting accident that should have resulted in death or at least catestrophic injury. We relate that story in this episode, and you can still hear the shock in the voices of those involved. 

Ever wonder how to put together a great hunt for aoudad, aka the "poor man's Desert Bighorn" aka Barbary Sheep? This episode has awesome intel, planning, and hunt strategy from seasoned guide Colton Heward and from onX Hunt top gun Dylan Dowson. We cover everything from logistics to rifles and cartridges to pre-hunt practicing—all generously supported with great hunting stories. ENJOY! 

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe...